PMA News: Security Incident at Blackbaud, Inc.

I am writing to let you know about a data security incident that recently occurred at Blackbaud that may have involved your personal information. Blackbaud is the third-party provider of a cloud-based platform used for fundraising and donor information management, used by the Portland Museum of Art (PMA) and many other non-profit institutions.

The PMA takes the protection and proper use of your information very seriously. We are therefore contacting you to explain the incident and provide you with steps you can take to protect yourself.

What Happened

On July 16, 2020 the PMA was notified that Blackbaud experienced a global security incident that Blackbaud discovered in May of 2020 that has affected a large number of organizations worldwide, ranging from large colleges and universities to small nonprofits.

In its statement about the incident, Blackbaud indicated that the cybercriminals involved in the cyberattack did not access user names, passwords, credit card information, bank account information, or Social Security numbers. In addition, Blackbaud has stated that it paid a ransom in exchange for the cybercriminals’ confirmed destruction of the copy of the information stolen. 

What the PMA is Doing

We take data security and privacy very seriously. Based on what we’ve learned from Blackbaud so far, we do not see any indication that your information was specifically targeted as part of this incident. We are undertaking a thorough investigation of what occurred and what information may have been exposed during Blackbaud’s data security incident. We will take all appropriate actions based on our investigation to ensure your information is and remains properly protected.

What You Can Do 

Ensuring the safety of our constituents’ data is of the utmost importance to us. As a best practice, we recommend you remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity or suspected identity theft to your local law enforcement authorities.  

For More Information　

We will continue to take appropriate action to ensure your information is and remains properly protected. Should you have any further questions or concerns regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact us at blackbaud@portlandmuseum.org.  

Thank you. 

Elizabeth Jones

Deputy Director and Director of External Affairs